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On the first of three days of catechetical programs for World Youth Day 2008, hundreds of youth from around the world poured into the campus of the Love and Life Site, located at Sydney’s Notre Dame University.
In the morning, as English-speaking pilgrims filled St. Benedict's Church to capacity, they were welcomed by college Knights and Sisters of Life, who are collaborating at the site.
Many of the Knights served as security and ushers, joined the sisters in a choir and served a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Pepe of Las Vegas. The bishop reminded the young pilgrims of the great dignity and responsibility that comes with baptism, saying they must be Christ’s presence in the world.
“Some have tried to bring peace the world without Jesus, but that is an impossibility,” Bishop Pepe said in his homily. “Christ must be the center of your lives.”
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College Knights helped prepare and serve more than a thousand meals during the first day at the Love and Life Site. |
Meanwhile, several Knights were busy grilling hundreds of sausages for an estimated 1,500 hungry youth who filled the Love and Life Site’s courtyard after the conclusion of Mass. Interested young men and women participated in men’s and women’s lunches to discuss the themes of morning catechesis.
Most of the pilgrims stayed and were joined by even more people who came to hear concerts by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal’s Catholic Underground band and Catholic musician Matt Maher.
Throughout the day, pilgrims were invited to visit the chapel to participate in eucharistic adoration, and the sacrament of reconciliation was available. Other opportunities for prayer included the liturgy of the hours and an international rosary led by the Knights in five different languages.
In the afternoon and evening, speakers delivered talks to standing-room-only audiences in the university’s classrooms and auditorium on the theology of the body and other topics related to the dignity of human life and love. Each of the English-language talks were recorded.
The events of the day ended with a special coffeehouse on the main stage, hosted by Sister Mary Gabriel, the Sisters of Life vocations director.
In addition to several musical guests and performers, the show featured interviews with Jonathan and Karen Doyle of the Australian-based Choicez Media and law professor Helen Alvare.
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Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson answers a question from a pilgrim during a special panel discussion “under the Southern Cross” at the Love and Life Site. |
Sister Mary Gabriel interviewed the hosts of the Love and Life Site, including Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Mother Agnes Mary.
“The Church is young, and what the Church needs is commitment,” the supreme knight told the excited crowd. “It needs people who will not compromise. It needs people who have ideals and are willing to act on their ideals. The Church needs your witness. Be who you are, and strive to be what God is calling you to be. He’s calling you to greatness.”
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